Take steps to offset soaring heating costs

Robert Thomas, former Information Specialist, Cooperative
Media Group, University of Missouri Extension

Keeping warm air inside and the cold air out can be relatively
inexpensive, according to Barbara Buffaloe, a former University of Missouri
Extension housing specialist.

In many homes, a lot of heat escapes through the roof, cracks
in walls, and gaps around windows, doors and pipes. Homeowners can
ease the shock of high utility costs by reclaiming some of that
lost heat.

Twelve inches of attic insulation is recommended in Missouri,
Buffaloe said. Exposed air ducts in the attic allow heat to dissipate
even before it enters the house, making the furnace work harder,
so wrap or cover these ducts with insulation.

“Depending on the size of your house, for a couple hundred dollars
you can probably save 10 to 15 percent on your winter heating bill,”
she said.

Weatherstrip your doors and apply caulk around pipes. A few tubes
of caulk, which cost $3 or $4 each, could save you several hundred
dollars, Buffaloe said.

Lifestyle can also play a role in reducing heating bills. Open
south-facing curtains during sunny days to benefit from free solar
heat, Buffaloe said. Set the thermostat a degree or two lower. For
each degree you lower the thermostat, you can save an estimated
3 percent in heating fuel costs.

A thermostat setting of 65 to 68 degrees provides enough heat
for normal daytime activity, although children and the elderly may
need higher temperatures. Because people need less heat when sleeping,
Buffaloe recommends a thermostat setting of 60 degrees for nighttime
hours.

Have a reputable specialist service your furnace before the heating
season. This could reduce your fuel bill as much as 10 percent.
If the furnace is fired by oil or gas, make sure the furnace, flue
outlets and filters are cleaned or changed and the motor is in working
order. Check furnace filters every two months during the heating
season.